Word
overstate
Phoneticsover·state
US/ˈoʊvɝˌsteɪt/
UK/ˌəʊvəstˈeɪt/
Definition
v. to say something is bigger, better, or more serious than it really is. You use it when someone exaggerates to impress people or to make a point.
v. to exaggerate or represent something as greater in size, importance, or effect than is actually the case. Always takes a direct object naming the claim, risk, or result being exaggerated.
Examples
“Do not overstate your English level on job applications.”
“The manager warned the sales team not to overstate the product's benefits to customers.”
“Critics argue that early reports overstated the new policy's impact, mistaking short-term enthusiasm for lasting change.”
Examples
simple
“Do not overstate your English level on job applications.”
contextual
“The manager warned the sales team not to overstate the product's benefits to customers.”
complex
“Critics argue that early reports overstated the new policy's impact, mistaking short-term enthusiasm for lasting change.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “overstate” in context.
Verb
01. critics overstate
“Critics overstate the negative effects of social media on teenagers.”
noun + verb
02. media overstate
“The media often overstates the dangers of flying.”
noun + verb
Adjective
03. deliberately overstate
“She deliberately overstated the problem to get faster help.”
adv + verb
04. greatly overstate
“The media greatly overstated the impact of the storm.”
adv + verb
05. grossly overstate
“The report was accused of grossly overstating the costs of the project.”
adv + verb
Noun
06. overstate case
“The lawyer was warned not to overstate his case to the jury.”
verb + noun
07. overstate effect
“Advertisements often overstate the effect of the cream.”
verb + noun
08. overstate importance
“Try not to overstate the importance of one bad grade.”
verb + noun
09. overstate risk
“Doctors warned us not to overstate the risk of side effects.”
verb + noun
10. do not overstate your case
“Do not overstate your case if you want the manager to trust you.”
11. grossly overstate the risk
“Early reports grossly overstated the risk to passengers.”
12. overstate the extent of damage
“The company overstated the extent of damage to claim insurance.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Tony Blair overstated the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, sent ill-prepared troops into battle and had "wholly inadequate" plans for the aftermath, the UK's Iraq War inquiry has said.” Etymology
From over- + state.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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